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On the HTC Hero (and maybe other devices), the device lock is a pattern - while looking quite nice, and being a change from the usual codes, it's not as secure (and it can be easy to work out the unlock pattern from looking at the smudge marks on the screen).

Is there a good lock-screen app that will let me use an unlock code, say 6 or more digits, instead of a pattern?

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3 Answers

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Here is the number of possible combinations for the dot patterns:

  • 4 dots: 1624 solutions
  • 5 dots: 7152 solutions
  • 6 dots: 26016 solutions
  • 7 dots: 72912 solutions
  • 8 dots: 140704 solutions
  • 9 dots: 140704 solutions

So they'd have to brute-force a total of 389112 codes, and if you enter a wrong pattern 5 times it locks you out for 30 seconds. I wouldn't say that's insecure.

The smudges on the screen would give away your PIN, too.

And, of course, if someone has your phone and you aren't around, your data isn't secure no matter what you use for a PIN.

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Personally, I find the lock pattern more secure than a number, remember - with the pattern you have to use a minimum of four dots but you could just as easily use 6 or more.

I'm also a bit OCD about wiping my screen every time I've finished using it so that kinda helps! But if you really want a PIN lock then I agree with Chahk - I've heard good things about Lock Me 2.0. Android and Me reviewed it and there's even a handy dandy QR Code too!

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Yea, I'm using all 9 dots - and I've chosen a pattern that's hard to work out from the smudge marks, but that makes it harder to unlock while walking. I'd much prefer an 8 digit code. – Wilka Oct 26 at 22:06
It would be nice if you could enter the pattern sequentially instead of sliding. Then it wouldn't really be any different from punching in a PIN. – ~endolith Oct 31 at 19:02
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Same smudge marks can betray even the lock combination :) In any case, search the market for "Lock 2.0" app. One of the options is the "password lock". I can't vouch for this app because I haven't tried it myself, but there's a free version to try (doesn't include the above mentioned "password lock" option).

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 But Lock 2.0 lets you bypass the passcode lock by pressing the home button. So it's not really secure. – Isaac Waller♦ Oct 26 at 19:48
I saw Lock 2.0 mentioned over on AndroidGuys but the comments mentioned that you can easily get round the unlock code, and my main concern is for security. – Wilka Oct 26 at 22:08

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